World AIDS Day talk will focus on latest statistics in Ventura County

The latest HIV/AIDS statistics in Ventura County and a talk on HIV will be presented by Craig Webb, HIV/AIDS program administrator for Ventura County Public Health, on World AIDS Day at California Lutheran University.

Estimates show more than 2,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV in Ventura County, Webb said.

According to the California Department of Public Health, as of Dec. 31, Ventura County was tracking 322 cases of HIV — 317 living and five deceased.

"People think, 'I don't need to worry about becoming HIV-positive because new drugs will keep me well,' " Webb said. "The reality is that HIV medications are improving and extending the lives of many people who are HIV-positive, but no medications provide a cure, and many of these drugs are expensive, produce serious side effects, and new drug-resistant strains of HIV are making treatment an increasing challenge."

On Thursday, HIV-positive people will speak from 2:15-3:55 p.m. before Webb's talk at 4:10 p.m. A candlelight vigil for those who have died will take place at 5:15 p.m. Representatives from Planned Parenthood, Ventura County Public Health, CLU's wellness programs and other organizations will be on site providing information.

The free event is sponsored by CLU's Center for Equality and Justice, wellness programs and campus ministry, as well as the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County.

"Our goals follow President Obama's national HIV/AIDS strategy, Healthy People 2020 and the state Office of AIDS to minimize the number of new HIV infections; to maximize the number of people with HIV infection who access appropriate care, treatment, support, prevention services; to reduce HIV/AIDS-related disparities; and reduce deaths due to HIV infection," Webb said.

According to estimates from the Department of Health and Human Services, 20 percent of the HIV population does not know its HIV status, Webb said.

Many misconceptions exist, said Amanda Namba, senior coordinator for student involvement and wellness programs at CLU.

"People are still unaware of how HIV can be transmitted and are still scared of contracting HIV from those who are living with the disease," Namba said. "I think at times people are too worried and they then become overly cautious about kissing or even when someone sheds tears."

Webb said that from Friday through Dec. 7, the county Public Health department will place 2,000 flags on the lawn in front of the Ventura County Government Center to draw attention to HIV and AIDS.

The flags, with the words "I Know, Do You?", represents the county residents who know their HIV-positive status, Webb said.

The display, timed to correspond with World AIDS Day on Saturday, is sponsored by the county public health department's HIV/AIDS program.

"It's always so important to remember those we have lost, but also to learn how we can protect our bodies and to educate ourselves on how to stay safe," Namba said. "Education and getting tested regularly can help save a life."